San Francisco Earns 5-Star Certified Welcoming Designation for Immigrant Inclusion and Belonging

SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco is the first city in the country to earn a 5‑star Certified Welcoming designation from the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization Welcoming America. The national designation recognizes the city’s work to include immigrants in all areas of civic, social, and economic life, and makes San Francisco one of 45 Certified Welcoming communities nationwide. Welcoming America presented the designation to Mayor Lurie at the Immigrant Leadership Awards, an annual event hosted each June by the San Francisco Immigrant Rights Commission to honor local immigrant leaders, champions, and businesses.

“Immigrants have helped build San Francisco for generations. They have started businesses, strengthened neighborhoods, enriched our culture, and helped make this city one of the most dynamic places in the world,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie. “This achievement is a reflection of decades of programs and partnerships that have helped send a message that they belong here. Together with our community partners, we will always work to ensure that all residents continue to feel safe and welcome in our city.”

Certified Welcoming is a formal designation for cities and counties whose policies and programs reflect a commitment to immigrant inclusion and belonging. Since launching in 2017 and adding a star designation system in 2023, Certified Welcoming and its framework, the Welcoming Standard, have served as a roadmap for local governments seeking to build more welcoming communities.

Welcoming policies can strengthen local economies by helping immigrants find jobs, start businesses, and build careers. In San Francisco, that includes support for worker-owned cooperatives and programs that help entrepreneurs navigate city resources for small businesses.

"San Francisco has earned the first-ever 5-star Certified Welcoming designation. This achievement sets a new standard for what cities can accomplish when welcoming becomes part of how a city operates,” said Rachel Perić, executive director of Welcoming America. “San Francisco's success reflects decades of partnership between local government, community organizations, and residents. Together, they have built a city where everyone can contribute and thrive.”

San Francisco's recognition reflects decades of policy and partnership. The Language Access Ordinance (LAO) ensures that City departments provide meaningful language access. Ballot initiatives have reduced structural barriers to civic participation, including a measure that removed the citizenship requirement to serve on local boards and commissions. Partnering with community organizations is central to the City’s strategy, from educating community members about their rights to investment in worker-owned cooperatives and day laborer programs that expand career opportunities for all San Franciscans.

“Immigration is woven into the very fabric of San Francisco, and this first-of-its-kind designation reflects our city’s enduring commitment to welcoming and supporting immigrant communities,” said City Administrator Carmen Chu. “Through the Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs, San Francisco has become a national leader in language access, immigrant services, and pathways to citizenship. This recognition reaffirms the values that define our city and the work we do every day to ensure immigrants and newcomers have the opportunity to thrive. I look forward to continuing to partner with community organizations, advocates, and residents to build a more inclusive and welcoming San Francisco for all.”

“We are honored to be the first city to achieve a 5-star designation,” said Jorge Rivas, executive director of the Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA). “While we know that the work is not done, this achievement serves as a motivation for San Francisco to continue building and sustaining a welcoming city for everyone.”

About the Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA) The Office of Civic Engagement & Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA) is a policy, compliance, direct services and grantmaking office of the City & County of San Francisco. OCEIA’s mission is to promote inclusive policies and foster immigrant assistance programs that lead to full civic, economic and linguistic inclusion. OCEIA seeks a safe, engaged and inclusive San Francisco where everyone can contribute and thrive. Learn more: sf.gov/oceia.

About Certified Welcoming
Certified Welcoming is a formal designation for local governments that have created policies and programs reflecting their values and commitment to immigrant inclusion. This innovative program assesses local governments on their efforts to include and welcome immigrants in all areas of civic, social, and economic life in their communities. With a Certified Welcoming designation, communities distinguish their local efforts, build a competitive advantage, and gain access to opportunities to share their welcoming practices on a regional, national, and global stage. Learn more at certifiedwelcoming.org.

About Welcoming America
Welcoming America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that leads a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs. We believe that all people, including immigrants, are valued contributors and vital to the success of our communities and shared future. Learn more at welcomingamerica.org.


Media Contacts
Welcoming America: Leslie Nguyen-Okwu, leslie@welcomingamerica.org

San Francisco Office of Civic Engagement & Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA): Jamie Richardson, jamie.richardson@sfgov.org

###